Archive for the ‘Roger Chaffee’ tag

You’d have to be a hermit to not be aware of the upcoming winter collector car auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona. It’s a playground for the rich and there should be no shortage of money flowing, as gorgeous cars cross the block at the four auctions held in January.

One of the fastest-growing auctions is Russo and Steele, and last year, the company had some of the nicest muscle cars we’ve ever seen. The 2007 event promises to be another winner, judging from some of the early consignments, such as astronaunt Virgil “Gus” Grissom’s 1967 Corvette 435hp convertible. Gus got this car new in Florida and only had it a few months before he died tragically along with fellow astronauts, Ed White and Roger Chaffee on the launching pad when a fire raced through their Apollo spacecraft. This much-publicized car is being sold at no reserve. This car has more than 20 show awards, a copy of the original title, a letter from Chevrolet and a letter from Betty Grissom.

Another very rare car up for auction is a 1971 GTO Judge convertible. One of 17 ever built, this is one of only seven 455 HO cars, complete with build sheet, window sticker and cowl tag. (Gee, these things are not to ever be removed. Seems funny they would advertise it as such.) It is a Best of Show winner at the GTOAA Nationals and reportedly has all its original matching numbers and is the correct color combination.
A third muscle car sure to generate some big numbers is a matching numbers, Cranberry Red 1970 Chevelle SS with the legendary LS6 and M22 transmission. This car also has a console, 4.10 gears, F41 suspension, power disc brakes, gauges, tinted windows and, of course, a cowl induction hood.
The Russo and Steele Auction runs from January 17 through January 21, 2007.

(This post originally appeared in the December 7, 2006, issue of the Hemmings eWeekly Newsletter.)